Technology - System and Method for Occupancy-Driven Register Airflow Control

System and Method for Occupancy-Driven Register Airflow Control

Active monitoring of heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems for energy efficiency.

Background:

HVAC is the largest source of building energy consumption. Therefore, energy - and consequently money - can be saved by closing off air vents during certain hours of the day. These are so-called smart vents. However, these products do not have on-board sensors, and therefore are not efficient. There needs to be an efficient, cost-effective way to monitor the status of HVAC systems, and organize processes in a manner impact to office spaces.

Technology Overview:

Researchers have developed an HVAC register airflow control system used for an enclosed space. The system includes a housing in fluid communication with an air source for supplying an airflow, and includes at least one air outlet to the enclosed space. A detection sensor configured to detect occupancy information of the occupied spaces facilitates smart functionality A damper is also part of the system, which includes a shape memory material and is configured to interact with the air outlet.